An Encounter
And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus. ~ Acts 22:11
Have you ever had a moment that changed everything? A moment when you knew God was real and that He was calling you into something greater than you could ever imagine? Encounters with God come in many forms. Sometimes they are powerful and dramatic, and other times they are quiet and deeply personal.
Chances are, when you received salvation, you made that choice because you encountered the Holy Spirit. It may not have been as dramatic as the apostle Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus, but you experienced Him in a way that touched your heart. I know this is true because God’s Word says that we are drawn to salvation by His Spirit.
I remember the day I received salvation and how real His presence felt to me. It was as though every fear and question faded in that moment. I have had many encounters since that day. Each time I slow down, sit quietly, and spend time with Him, He meets me there. He reminds me that He is leading my steps, even when I can’t see what’s ahead.
Paul’s encounter with Jesus forever changed his life. From that moment on, he carried the message of Christ everywhere he went. He experienced God’s presence again and again, in the prison with Silas when the chains fell off, in the middle of the storm on his way to Rome, and even when he prayed for relief from the messenger of Satan and heard the Lord say, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Yet, even with all those moments, Paul always returned to his first encounter on the road to Damascus. That story became his testimony, the one he shared over and over again. It was the message that opened the hearts of thousands to believe in Jesus.
Your story may not look like Paul’s, but it carries the same power. Each encounter you’ve had with God is part of your testimony. When you share how He met you, saved you, guided you, or delivered you, the Holy Spirit uses your words to draw others to Him. No one can take away what you’ve experienced or even debate it, because you know in your heart that it’s real. Your story carries the evidence of His love and faithfulness in your life.
Here are some ways you can get started sharing your testimony:
- Take time to remember when you first encountered God and how that moment changed your life.
- Write down the details of that day or season so you can clearly share it with others.
- Ask God for opportunities to share your story this week, whether in conversation, through a message, or even on social media.
- Listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit when someone around you needs encouragement and be bold to share.
- Thank God for every way He has revealed Himself to you since that first encounter.
Today I want to encourage you to share your story of salvation with someone around you. Tell others how God’s great love has transformed your life and brought you peace and purpose. Let them know that He wants a relationship with them too. Every time you share your encounter with Jesus, you plant a seed of faith in someone’s heart, and you strengthen your own relationship with Him in the process. God will use your story in ways you may never see, but Heaven will record every word that points someone closer to Him.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 22:1-21
1 “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.”
2 And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent.
Then he said:
3 “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.
4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,
5 as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 “Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me.
7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’
8 So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’
9 “And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me.
10 So I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do.’
11 And since I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
12 “Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there,
13 came to me; and he stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that same hour I looked up at him.
14 Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.
15 For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.
16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
17 “Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance
18 and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’
19 So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You.
20 And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’
21 Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’ ”
Journal:
- What was my first encounter with God like, and how did it change my life?
- Who in my life needs to hear my story of salvation?
- How can I prepare to share what God has done for me in a natural, loving way?
The Daily Dose 